Japan says China flag incident 'very regrettable'
Japan's foreign minister on Tuesday labelled as "very regrettable" an incident in Beijing in which the national flag was ripped off a car carrying Japan's ambassador, fanning diplomatic tensions.
North Korea, Japan to hold first direct talks in four years
North Korea and Japan this week hold their first direct talks in four years with attention focused on whether they can show progress in overcoming deep-rooted suspicions that have hamstrung ties.
Typhoon Bolaven heads for Korea after lashing Japan
One of the most powerful typhoons in decades churned towards the Korean peninsula Monday after lashing Japan's Okinawa with heavy rains and wind, leaving at least five injured.
US looks at new early-warning radar for Japan: officials
US and Japanese officials are considering deploying a new US early-warning radar to Japan to help counter possible missile threats from North Korea.
Anti-Japan protests erupt in China over island row
Anti-Japan protests broke out in more than a dozen Chinese cities including Beijing and Hong Kong on Sunday as authorities allowed thousands of people to vent anger over an escalating territorial row.
Japan's Sharp mulls main businesses sale: report
Japan's embattled Sharp Corp. is considering selling off part of its main operations as it looks to plug a gaping hole in its balance sheet.
Japan should fortify islets defence: senior politician
Japan should strengthen its coast guard to defend disputed islands, the ruling party policy chief said Saturday, a day after Tokyo deported pro-Beijing activists who had sailed there.
Fukushima caused mutant butterflies: scientists
Genetic mutations have been found in three generations of butterflies from near Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, scientists said Tuesday, raising fears radiation could affect other species.
Brent crude oil price hits three-month high
Crude prices finished mixed Monday after early jumps, with Brent topping $115 a barrel before settling back for a modest gain.
Japan mulls international court for S. Korea row
Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Saturday that Tokyo was considering asking the International Court of Justice to settle a bitter row with South Korea over a disputed island group.
Japan lawmakers to approve long-awaited tax hike
An unpopular bill to double Japan's sales tax and partially plug its gaping debt hole is set to be passed by lawmakers Friday in a triumph for the prime minister that could also herald the end of his job.
Toyota announces $495 mn investment in Brazil
Top Japanese automaker Toyota plans to invest $495 million dollars to build an engine plant in Brazil, the company's president said Wednesday after meeting Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
Hiroshima marks anniversary of atomic bombing
Tens of thousands of people marked the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Monday, as a rising tide of anti-nuclear sentiment swells in post-Fukushima Japan.
Euro stays weak in Asia after ECB disappointment
The euro stayed bearish against other currencies in Asia trade Friday after taking a hit from the European Central Bank's announcement of no immediate measures to fight the debt crisis.
Olympics: Japan shocked by judo medal failures
Japan's judo coaches have admitted their Olympic Games team has performed below expectations after claiming just one gold medal over the first four days of competition.
Japan firm says China waste claims 'groundless'
A Japanese paper firm whose factory was at the centre of deadly weekend protests in China said Monday it was concerned about the demonstration, but rejected pollution claims as "groundless".
Activists hope gay marriage debate will stir Japan
Koyuki Higashi is slim, articulate and intelligent, things that make a would-be wife attractive to many in Japan. But Higashi knows she will probably never marry because she is a lesbian.
Toyota world's top carmaker in first half: reports
Toyota Motor has returned to the top of the global carmakers' league, Japanese media reported on Thursday, after the firm said it had sold almost five million vehicles in the first half of the year.
Japan customs say pens need weapons import licence
Japanese customs officials who impounded 200 pens more than a year ago said Friday the writing implements needed a weapons import licence because they were shaped like bullets.
Japan braces for more rain after at least 19 die
Southwestern Japan was bracing for the effects of more torrential rain Friday, on top of "unprecedented" downpours that swamped whole neighbourhoods, leaving at least 19 dead and eight missing.